HURRICANES AGREE TO TERMS WITH DAVID TANABE

Defenseman rejoins Carolina after spending time with Phoenix and Boston

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 29, 2006

Defenseman David Tanabe was selected by Carolina in the first round (16th overall) of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.

RALEIGH, NC – Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager for the 2006 Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman David Tanabe to a one-year contract worth $900,000.

“The addition of David strengthens our defense,” said Rutherford. “His skating and style of play fit well with our team’s up-tempo system and the way the NHL game is played today.”

Tanabe, 26, finished the 2005-06 season with the Boston Bruins following a mid-season trade from Phoenix. In 54 regular-season games with the Bruins following the trade, the White Bear Lake, Minn., native scored four goals and added 12 assists (16 points) while accumulating 48 penalty minutes and an even plus/minus rating. He finished the season with four goals and 16 assists (20 points) in 75 games with Phoenix and Boston while averaging 20:24 of ice time per game.

The Hurricanes selected Tanabe (6’1”, 212 lbs.) in the first round, 16th overall, in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. Following one season at the University of Wisconsin, Tanabe began his professional career, splitting the 1999-2000 season between Carolina and its top minor-league affiliate. In 371 NHL regular-season games, he has scored 24 goals, added 70 assists (94 points) and totaled 193 penalty minutes in six seasons.

The Carolina Hurricanes will open their 2006-07 regular season on Oct. 4 at the RBC Center against the Buffalo Sabres. For information regarding Hurricanes ticket packages, please call 1-866-NHL-CANES or visit www.CarolinaHurricanes.com.